Pitcher Justin Garza was thinking about quitting the game he loved during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 as he struggled in the minor leagues. 

However, as Garza is joining the New York Mets now after a deal with the San Francisco Giants, he credits one thing to saving his career. 

A video game. 

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"MLB The Show actually was a big part about me learning how to pitch and figuring out how to pitch," Garza told The New York Post. "It’s so realistic at times, just playing that video game."

Garza is not the only player in professional sports to use video games to prepare for games or rework their mechanics. 

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Garza specifically uses the game mode Diamond Dynasty, where he said the different camera angles helped him experience how to use his pitches. Using a catcher’s view to pitch, he started reworking his arsenal.

Though it was not intentional, he was happy something clicked by playing the game. 

"Once I started to play more and more, it was like, ‘OK, well, I actually have a cutter, I have this four-seam, I have this changeup, and maybe my stuff can play like this," Garza told The Post. 

Garza was an eighth-round draft pick by the Cleveland Guardians in 2015, but he struggled in his first taste of professional ball. He was only able to post one season with an ERA under five, owning a 3.36 ERA in 2018. 

However, the pandemic break saw Garza as a rejuvenated hurler on the mound. 

Garza posted a 1.59 ERA with 31 strikeouts over 14 games in Triple-A Columbus before being called up for the first time in his career. He had 21 appearances in 2021 in the big leagues. 

He did not make it back to the big leagues until 2023, this time with the Boston Red Sox, but it did not go according to plan. Garza had an 8.35 ERA in 17 appearances (one start) before being moved to the Giants.

Garza was in Triple-A Sacramento this year before moving to the Mets. 

Garza has played one game with the Mets, tossing two-thirds of an inning with two strikeouts in his first appearance.  

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Spokane, Washington has now been declared a state of emergency after protesters failed to cooperate with Mayor Lisa Brown’s curfew that began at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday until 5 a.m.

Brown issued the curfew amid ICE protests downtown from Boone Ave to Spokane Falls Blvd and Howard St to Division St, as well as Riverfront Park.

The protests began after former Spokane City Councilman Ben Stuckart issued a call to action asking for support for the detainment of a Venezuelan man seeking asylum.

"ACTION ALERT: Three weeks ago I became the legal guardian to a young man from Venezuela seeking asylum. He has turned in all paperwork and has a future court hearing. I went with him to ICE check in today. They detained him and are shipping him to Tacoma," his post read. "I am asking that if you care at all about these illegal detainers you meet me at 411 West Cataldo by 2pm. I am going to sit in front of the bus. Feel free to join me…….The Latino community needs the rest of our community now. Not tonight, not Saturday but right now!!!!"

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Stuckart became the legal guardian of the 21-year-old Venezuelan man 3 weeks ago. 

Spokane Police Department and the county sheriff's office are currently on the scene and are also calling the gathering unlawful. 

Spokane County Commissioner Josh Kerns issued a statement referencing the two active riots in the City of Spokane.

"The unrest we have seen in the City of Spokane is unacceptable," said Commissioner Kerns. "I stand with the dedicated men and women of law enforcement who put themselves in harm’s way to protect lives, businesses, and public safety." He continued, "Thank you to our police officers, deputies, and their families tonight. We support you and have your back".

Commissioner Kerns also stated, "I strongly support every American’s First Amendment right to speak freely and protest peacefully—but that right does not include violence, obstruction of law enforcement, destruction of property, or putting others at risk. We must uphold both our freedoms and our responsibility to exercise them lawfully."

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Brown also released a statement on the gathering.

"I am aware of the situation unfolding outside of the Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Spokane. The City of Spokane respects and upholds everyone’s First Amendment rights and right to be on public property.  

"The City of Spokane continues to uphold the Keep Washington Working Act. The Spokane Police Department will address violations of Spokane Municipal Code.  

"I encourage everyone to remain peaceful and safe, and my heart goes out to families being separated. Our unity is stronger than any attempt to divide us."  

Several protesters have been taken into custody on "failure to disperse" charge and SPD has deployed tear gas on the crowd.